A lot goes into the construction of a tire. It can be made of over 100 separate components, consisting of natural and synthetic rubber, steel, nylon, polyester, carbon black and many other materials. These are all engineered and combined to provide reliable performance for you and your vehicle.
Inner Liner – this is the innermost layer of the tire and is designed to contain the air inside and prevent air loss.
Bead – this is a hoop made of high tensile strength steel wires and surrounded by a hardened rubber compound that holds the tire securely on the wheel.
Carcass (or body) ply – the rubber coated sheet of fabric (typically made of polyester) that has cords running radially from bead to bead (at 90 degrees to direction of travel for a Radial tire). This is the main construction component for determining the strength of the tire. There can be one, two or even three carcass plies in a passenger or light truck tire.
Apex (or bead filler) – the portion of harder rubber compound that sits above the bead bundle and fills the lower sidewall area, providing stiffness and stability.
Sidewall – the rubber layer on the outside of the tire, providing protection to the inner components. It also provides the surface for the lettering and decorations on the tire.
Belts – the belt package is constructed with woven strands of high strength steel fibers, which are bonded to rubber. They cover the inner tread area and provide the rigid base for the tread rubber.
Cap ply (or overlay) – a nylon (or sometimes aramid) ply placed on top of the belt package to contain and protect the belt package at higher speeds.
Tread – the outer rubber section of the tire in contact with the ground that provides traction and is designed to resist wear, abrasion and heat.